Iga Swiatek will be hoping to put a stuttering start to her Wimbledon ******* le defence behind her on Thursday, as Alexander Zverev bids to prove his credentials on grass.
Reigning champion Swiatek struggled to hold back the tears after battling past Taylor Townsend in the first round on Centre Court after an alarming drop-off in her form during the second set.
The Pole, who has been inconsistent since winning her sixth Grand Slam ******* le at the All England Club 12 months ago, did enough to get through but said the enormity of starting her ******* le defence had affected her.
"I think the whole process of opening the court and playing as a defending champion is for sure really emotional," said Swiatek.
"Last year probably the most amazing thing in my tennis career happened here. So I felt it also today."
Reigning champion Swiatek struggled to hold back the tears after battling past Taylor Townsend in the first round on Centre Court after an alarming drop-off in her form during the second set.
The Pole, who has been inconsistent since winning her sixth Grand Slam ******* le at the All England Club 12 months ago, did enough to get through but said the enormity of starting her ******* le defence had affected her.
"I think the whole process of opening the court and playing as a defending champion is for sure really emotional," said Swiatek.
"Last year probably the most amazing thing in my tennis career happened here. So I felt it also today."
2 months ago
